10 cringeworthy things managers have done at holiday parties

While turning a dance contest into a brawl, using obscene language and throwing food on the floor may seem more like scenes from a rough weekend, they are in fact from a corporate holiday party.

A recent Robert Half survey of financial executives found these were just a few of managers’ worst moments at holiday parties.

Surveying 2,200 CFOs about the most embarrassing thing they have seen or heard about a manager doing at a company holiday party, the survey revealed 25 of managers’ most embarrassing holiday mishaps. Here are the 10 most cringeworthy:

Turning a dance contest into a brawl

Opening someone else’s gift

Throwing food on the floor

Trying to walk across a swimming pool and – not surprisingly – falling into it

Using obscene language

Taking inappropriate pictures in a photo booth

Breaking an ankle while break dancing

Fighting with a boss

Screaming like a werewolf

Coming into the holiday party to receive a bonus cheque before resigning

With the holiday season fast approaching, Robert Half highlighted six things managers need to keep in mind when attending corporate holiday parties:

#1 You’re still the boss
Show your lighter side, but remember employees will look to you as an example even outside of the office.

#2 Don’t be a barfly
Never overindulge in alcohol. Many of the mishaps CFOs witnessed came after someone had too much to drink.

#3 Loose lips sink ships
It’s never appropriate to reveal confidential information about your company or coworkers. If you’re worried about not having enough to talk about, come up with a list of safe topics – weekend plans, movie reviews, food – before the event.

#4 This is a good career opportunity
You may have the chance to speak with executives and others with whom you don’t normally interact. Have fun at the party, keeping in mind it’s also a time for you to expand your internal network and build your visibility.

#5 Keep the focus on staff
Celebrate your team, and give them their moment. By ceding the spotlight, you’ll show how much you appreciate their contributions.

#6 You need to go back to work the next day
A tabletop nap, alcohol-powered soliloquy or inappropriate dance routine may feel like a one-time blunder but you’ll need to face everyone as soon as you’re back in the office. In other words, don’t be that guy or girl everyone is gossiping about the next morning.